音

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 音, read おと, means an audible sound.
• Basic usage: It refers to sounds from various sources, such as rain or a clock.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Hearing and making a sound
  • In the example, 雨の音が聞こえます says that the sound of rain can be heard.
  • 大きな音を立てた means made a loud sound.
• Distinction from a voice
  • 声 is used for human voices and animal calls, while 音 refers to sound more broadly.